Cholera

Definition

Cholera is an infection of the small intestine caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It causes a large amount of watery diarrhea.

Alternative Names

Causes

Cholera is an acute illness characterized by watery diarrhea. The toxin released by the bacteria causes increased secretion of water and chloride ions in the intestine, which can produce massive diarrhea. Death can result from the severe dehydration brought on by the diarrhea.

Cholera occurs in epidemics when conditions of poor sanitation, crowding, war, and famine are present. Endemic areas include India, Asia, Africa, the Mediterranean, and more recently, South and Central America, and Mexico. The infection is acquired by ingesting contaminated food or water.

A type of vibrio bacteria also has been associated with shellfish, especially raw oysters. Risk factors include residence or travel in endemic areas and exposure to contaminated or untreated drinking water.

References

Crump J, Bopp C, Greene KD, Kubota KA, Middendorf RL, Wells JG, Mintz ED. Emergence of toxigenic Vibrio cholerae O141 causing cholera-like diarrhea and bloodstream infection in the United States. Journal of Infectious Diseases. 2003;187:866-868.

Steinberg EB, Green KD, Bopp CA, Cameron DN, Wells JG, Mintz ED. Cholera in the United States, 1995-2000: trends at the end of the millennium. J Infect Dis. 2001; 184: 799-802.